Browsing Barstow's Bookshelf

Middle & upper school students explore the magical world of literature with a depth and breadth of reading experiences well beyond the typical offerings at most schools.
Our carefully curated and frequently updated reading list includes classics, graphic novels, historical fiction, autobiographies, poetry and plays. 

The English Department seeks out intriguing, powerful and diverse texts that tell meaningful stories — instead of simply opting for a canon that is predictable or uninspiring. Students travel through ancient civilizations, contemporary communities and into the future to develop an understanding of the world around them.

Recent selections include such varied titles as "Persepolis," "True Grit," "Between the World and Me," "Chronicle of a Death Foretold," "August Osage County," "Macbeth" and "Watchmen." 

Titles change regularly, a testament to the intellectual curiosity of our faculty and their willingness to innovate. Academic departments share suggestions for books that recognize changing social climates and provide the content and context for lively discussions. 

“Barstow English students don’t just look at words on a page and talk about plot. Instead, they learn how to read with intention, with an eye toward analysis and a sense of purpose and humor.”
Mark Luce
English Department Chair
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